Printing shop AI: Heidelberg printing machines – Future in artificial intelligence – The AI-controlled printing shop of tomorrow

🤖 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) is shaping the future of the printing industry through innovative technologies and the use of artificial intelligence (AI). With over 20 years of experience in digitalization and five years of specific work with AI technologies, the company has already made a significant contribution to the development of digital printing solutions and is now a leader in the implementation of AI-driven processes. Since 2004, HEIDELBERG has been successfully connecting machines and systems in print shops worldwide, offering tailor-made solutions based on data-based optimization.

In the modern printing industry, many people see traditional printing and the digital world as opposites. However, HEIDELBERG shows that these two worlds can go hand in hand and that a symbiosis of traditional craftsmanship and digital technology is possible. HEIDELBERG's printing presses are digitally networked, software-controlled and always up to date thanks to regular over-the-air updates. There are also intelligent assistance systems and highly automated processes, which are primarily used in the Speedmaster models. Around 13,000 machines and systems worldwide are currently connected to the HEIDELBERG Cloud, allowing print shops to benefit from the collected machine data in real time.

By systematically evaluating this data, HEIDELBERG offers a variety of advantages for printing companies. Data-based applications enable benchmarking and performance improvements and ensure continuous monitoring and improvement of machine performance through Active Machine Monitoring. “What began 20 years ago at HEIDELBERG with the connection of the first printing press to the Internet has opened up unimagined technical possibilities,” says Dr. David Schmedding, Head of Technology and Sales at HEIDELBERG. “Today we are planning the AI-controlled print shop of tomorrow, which can run comparatively cheap shifts autonomously. And HEIDELBERG will provide important building blocks for this with software, machines and robotics.”

🔧 Long-term investments in technology and innovation

HEIDELBERG has made significant investments in digitalization, data technology and robotics in recent years. These investments amount to three-digit millions and have helped the company consolidate its position as a leading technology provider in the printing industry. These continuous investments have not only kept HEIDELBERG at the forefront of the market, but also paved the way for the development and implementation of new AI-driven applications. “Our company has shaped the printing industry over the past 20 years and far beyond and will continue to do so in the future based on our technology know-how,” emphasizes Schmedding.

One of HEIDELBERG's groundbreaking AI-based applications is the “PAT” consulting tool, which has been in use in contract printing companies since 2021. This tool offers concrete and implementable recommendations for action that help make work processes more efficient and increase productivity. Another pioneering product is the new AI-supported version of the Prinect workflow software, known as Prinect Touch Free. This software is able to independently determine the most efficient and cost-effective printing method - offset or digital - for a job and then calculates the optimal arrangement of the print layouts. These developments are groundbreaking for the AI-controlled print shop of tomorrow, in which processes are not only automated but also controlled dynamically and independently.

🚀 One step towards a comprehensive overall solution

Since the drupa 2024 printing press trade fair, HEIDELBERG has further expanded its position as a full-service provider for all modern printing processes. At this trade fair, the company presented comprehensive solutions for printing companies, ranging from the selection of printing processes - from toner and inkjet to offset and flexographic printing - to the integration of a continuous digital production chain. The Prinect workflow software plays a central role here, coordinating all work processes from order entry to the finished printed product. Schmedding is optimistic and emphasizes that HEIDELBERG is well positioned for the future and is benefiting from a strong order backlog after the drupa trade fair.

With the digital workflow integrated into Prinect, HEIDELBERG is able to develop new digital business models and implement them profitably. These digital business models are based on complete digitalization and mapping of the entire production process, which enables HEIDELBERG to offer innovative solutions such as data-based services and automated processes. The flexibility and adaptability of HEIDELBERG systems offer print shops the advantage of making their work processes more efficient while reducing production costs.

🔍 AI and the future of the printing industry

The introduction of AI and robotics to the printing industry not only brings efficiencies but also changes the way printers work and make decisions. HEIDELBERG's AI-supported systems are able to analyze large amounts of data in real time and make informed decisions based on it. This means printers can spend less time on manual planning and monitoring and instead focus on creative and strategic tasks.

HEIDELBERG's vision includes a print shop that works largely autonomously and requires minimal human intervention. This is particularly relevant given the skills shortage that is being felt in many industries. The AI-driven print shop of tomorrow will be able to operate efficiently 24/7 and adapt to changing production needs without the need for extensive manual intervention. The integration of robotics and AI also creates new opportunities for automation and increased efficiency in print production, which strengthens the competitiveness of print shops in the market.

🌟 The printing company of the future

20 years of applied digitalization and 5 years of experience with AI - HEIDELBERG has been connecting machines and systems in printing companies since 2004 - Image: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG

HEIDELBERG's vision for the print shop of the future includes more than just the automation and digitalization of existing processes. The company plans to transform print production into a fully connected and self-optimizing environment through the use of advanced AI and intelligent machines. This is not just about efficiency, but also about flexibility and adaptability, which enable printing companies to react quickly and efficiently to changes in the market.

HEIDELBERG has set itself the goal of further expanding its leading role in the printing industry and actively shaping the future of the industry through continuous innovation and investment in new technologies. Through close cooperation with printing companies and the continuous development of its products and services, HEIDELBERG remains not only a technology provider, but also a valuable partner for printing companies that are on the way to digital transformation. The AI-controlled print shop of tomorrow will not only be a product of HEIDELBERG technology, but also the result of close collaboration between the company and the printing industry, which together are driving change in the industry.

HEIDELBERG is not only a pioneer of digitalization in the printing industry, but also pursues the vision of a printing company that is future-proof through the use of AI, robotics and digital networking. These pioneering technologies will revolutionize the way printing companies work, increase their efficiency and sustainability and shape the industry in the long term.

📣 Similar topics

• 📈 Future of the printing industry with AI
• 🤖 AI-controlled processes from HEIDELBERG
• 🌍 Networking in the printing company of the future
• 🚀 HEIDELBERG's path to digital transformation
• 🤝 Symbiosis: tradition meets digital world
• 🏭 Automation through intelligent printing solutions
• 📊 Data-driven optimization in printing companies
• 💡 Innovations in modern printing technology
• 🧠 AI and robotics as key technologies
• 💼 HEIDELBERG as a technology pioneer

#️⃣ Hashtags: #Printing Industry #ArtificialIntelligence #Digitalization #Automation #TechnologicalInnovation

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